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Call for feline health study preproposals

Each year, the foundation funds more than $4 million in animal health studies for companion animals and wildlife. For the past few years, however, the number of applications for feline health studies has decreased.

Of the 420 preproposals received for 2005 funding, 142 were for canine studies, while only 26 were for cats or feline studies. High-quality study proposals are vital to improving feline health.

Despite the cat's rising popularity as a pet, relatively little is known about the animal's health issues, according to the foundation. Cats are taken to the veterinarian less frequently than dogs, less money is spent on their health care, and fewer scientists study cats.